EdTech regulation policy on the anvil: Dharmendra Pradhan

The central government is working on a policy to regulate edtech players to curb monopoly, and prevent the exploitation of students through lofty promises or unfair practices. Speaking at a virtual event to distribute coupons worth ₹253 crore for over 12 lakh socially and economically disadvantaged students to get free access to EdTech courses, Pradhan said, “There is no place for exploitation or monopoly. We have heard reports that some education technology companies are exploiting students with loans for fee-based courses. If someone wants to subscribe for these out of their own free will, there is no problem. But students should not be lured to take loans by false promises from them,” said Pradhan. “We are also having discussions with MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) and the Law Department on how to come up with a common policy,” he said.